Microsoft has killed the Kin after only six weeks on the market. The first Windows Phone 7-ish phone apparently didn't sell, likely thanks to its too-high-for-the-demographic $30 data fee from Verizon.

Not surprising. I think the Danger deal was started before the success of the iPhone, which, of course, profoundly changed the business. After the iPhone, Danger's phones weren't as desirable as they used to be. Consequently, the acquisition became a lemon.

So, why still release the Kin? Well, I'm talking out of my ass here, but is it possible that part of the deal was that Microsoft wouldn't instantly kill Danger, but had to come with a successor instead?

If so, it would explain this product and move. Microsoft made the most of it and experimented with interface ideas on a product they could get feedback on - and the feedback has, in fact, been positive (interface-wise).